Protect Clean Air in Our Communities

Appalachian hills

“We believe clean air is a basic right and necessity for all life. Air pollution puts at risk the health of our communities and threatens to forever alter the climate.” (Book of Resolutions #1033: Caring for Creation)

The Clean Power Plan, finalized in August of 2015, set pollution standards from existing power plants that would reduce carbon pollution by 32 percent by 2030. Using the legal authority of the Clean Air Act, this Environmental Protection Agency regulation would reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and result in improved air quality and health in communities – particularly those living near older, coal-fired power plants.

The United Methodist Church has made clear its commitment to clean air as a basic right, to “national policies that shift resources, including subsidies, away from high-carbon development and toward alternative, cleaner energy sources” (1035: Climate Change and the Church’s Response), and to policies that “require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.” (¶160.D – Global Climate Stewardship)

Repealing the Clean Power Plan would undermine efforts to create cleaner, healthier communities and the United States’ commitment to addressing the global climate crisis. EPA is accepting public comments until April 26th. You can use the link below to share why, as a person of faith, you oppose efforts to rollback these critical efforts.